I joined the 7/8 in February of 1967.  
I was assigned to Alpha Battery and trained with them before to traveling to Viet Nam in June of 1967.  
I was on the Gen Walker a troop ship, and arrived in Vaung Tau, I was also with Alpha Battery when it was the first long range gun battery to fire into the Delta.  We were sent to Ben Luc in late July or early August of 1967, I don't remember the date. 
1st Lt. William Joseph McCarty, who was killed by a rocket at Ben Luc, fall of 67 was with Alpha Battery and was my Fire Direction Officer.
Thank You for letting me set the record straight on this matter.  I look forward to corresponding with you

David J. McCarty
Sergeant First Class
Ret. US Army